San Francisco-based New Albion is a sister brand of Soma Fabrications, focusing on steel road, dirt and country bikes, like the Privateer pictured above. Made with Tange Infinity chromoly steel, the Privateer is a simple bicycle designed to do many things well, including hauling you and your stuff.

The Ahearne/M.A.P. handlebars offer a nice grasp of things with 570 mm of stability, capped off by Cardiff cork grips. Many components are made in Japan and distributed through corporate parent Merry Sales in South San Francisco. The bike has an nice vintage aesthetic, with the black steel frame and fork, white tires and silver components. So far it rides like a modern bike begging for simple adventure.

More photos

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Complete bike pricing

According to Soma Fab’s Stan Pun, the retail price for this build is around $1,970. A shop can probably build and sell a Shimano Deore/Tiagra-level bike for about $1,300. Our test bike is a 58cm, with a 58.5 cm top tube, 185 mm head tube, 72/72.5-degree head and seat angles, 72mm bottom bracket drop, 435 mm chainstay length, and a 1,042 mm wheelbase. Weight without pedals and accessories is 24 pounds.

I’ll be riding the Privateer during the Bicycle Times Brunch & Beer Bumble this Saturday. Join publisher Maurice and I if you’re available! Look for a complete review of the Privateer in an upcoming print issue of Bicycle Times.